IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad admits ‘lot to improve’ after CSK loss

Punjab Kings chased down CSK's total of 209 runs with 5 wickets in hand and 6 balls to spare. The Shreyas Iyer-led side won their second game of the season and continued their strong start in the tournament. 

Shreyas Iyer scored 50 off just 28 balls to guide his team home. The skipper continued his excellent form in Chennai after scoring an unbeaten 72 against CSK last year.

Batting first, CSK scored 209 runs at the end of their first innings against PBKS. Ayush Mhatre was CSK's star with the bat, scoring 73 off 43 balls. However, the total wasn't enough to give Chennai its first win of the season.

After the defeat, Gaikwad said that he was happy with CSK's score of 209. He further heaped praise on Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube for their positive contributions in the innings.

"I felt it was a really good score, to be honest. The wicket was, yes, better for pace bowlers, but I felt it was slightly gripping for spinners, not coming on to the bat nicely. Slowball was gripping as well. So I think, you know, for this ground, especially with, you know, big boundaries, I felt it was a really good score. Ayush batted brilliantly. You know, having him gain that confidence going forward in the season is important, and Shivam definitely batted really well. So yeah, batting-wise, we had good confidence," Gaikwad said.

"You know, bowling, yes, definitely a lot to improve (on his batting). I'm feeling good. You know, it is just about adapting to a role, whatever is needed for the team. Today I felt it was best to stick around a little longer since the wicket was gripping. So I thought, you know, the set batter Ayush was going really well. So I thought, just hang in there a bit, and then after that you can cash in. But unfortunately got out at the wrong time."